Training Needs for implementing early childhood inclusion in China

Training Needs for implementing early childhood inclusion in China

Bi Ying Hu

Abstract

This article focuses on assessing Chinese early childhood teachers' training needs for working with special needs children in regular classrooms in light of China's national policy requiring inclusive practices. The researcher recruited teachers from inclusion pilot kindergartens in Beijing to participate in the study. MANOVA results indicate that teacher perceptions of training needs did not differ in comparing their level of education, years of teaching experience, or class size. Descriptive statistics from the four subscales of the training needs survey data and interviews with special education teachers, principals, and early childhood teachers indicate that the teachers had the greatest need for training in the following areas: behavior management, the process of implementing individualized education plans, inclusion strategies, and communicating with parents and families. Finally the article discusses implications and recommendations for teacher preparation and future research.

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Throughout the EU, learners with special educational needs/intellectual
disabilities are still not achieving or being included in education at all
levels according to their potential. ITIDE aims to address this deficit by
making available outstanding open access, practice-leading training materials
on Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) to spread accessible,
accredited, vocational learning to these groups within EU states and beyond. In
doing so, we expect to support progress towards the Europe 2020 target of
reducing early school leaving.

Early Inclusion is a European project within the frame of Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships. From 1.10.2015 until 30.3.2018 the project focuses on increased knowledge and shared methods concerning inclusion for pre-school children who have a disability or are at risk of becoming disabled. For further info: http://www.early-inclusion.eu/